What are the best ways of tackling bullying in school?

A Scottish anti-bullying pack for schools ('Bullyproofing Our School') points out that the atmosphere and character of a school (broadly speaking its ethos) is very important in preventing and tackling bullying. A school can create the right ethos by: sending clear and consistent messages that bullying will not be tolerated; asking staff, pupils and parents to agree on a definition of bullying; thinking about things in the school which might encourage bullying and finally making sure that the behaviour of teachers and staff structures do not act as models for bullying behaviour.
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Article details

A McLean (1994) 'Background Reading for Schools', Book 8 in the pack 'Bullyproofing Our School. Promoting Positive Relationships', Strathclyde Regional Council, Department of Education. This article can be viewed here.
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Author details

At the time of this study, Alan McLean was Principal Psychologist based at the Education Department Psychological Service in the former Strathclyde Regional Council. His particular interests in the area of bullying include: links between bullying and motivation; the thinking processes and self-esteem of the bully.

He can be contacted at by email.
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